BRUNEI'S DEFENCE MODERNISATION

INTRODUCTION

Brunei is a tiny country with the population of 393,000 and the richest per capita in the world with only 200 kilometres of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). It is situated in the northern coast of Borneo which comprise of two enclaves of less than 6,000 square kilometres[1]. Due to its vast reserves of oil and gas, Brunei becomes a wealthy economy totally supported by exporting of crude oil and natural gas which is the third largest oil producer in the Southeast Asia. This petroleum sector forms the backbone of Brunei’s economy worth around 57.2% of GDP and some 88% of exports. Brunei’s GDP per capita is around US$13,000 ppp[2]. With a very strong economy backup, Brunei will not be facing any funding problems to have their own capable defence force. Brunei’s average defence expenditure is US$258 million and becomes the Asia’s second highest after Singapore. This is because of the need for greater self-reliance in defence and has been the most important influence on Brunei’s defence planning since 1987. Since its independence from British protectorate in 1 Jan 1984, the main concerns are internal and external security. They greatly relied on the diplomacy which in fact is hardly guaranteed of survival and security for a small state in the 21st century. The government has been very conscious on the experiences for a small state because they cannot effectively defend themselves against the greater power for a certain period of time. The case was happened in Grenada in 1983 and Panama in 1989 (United States invasion) as well as Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1991 was shown the faith of a small state. Therefore, Hasanal Bolkiah who is the ruler of Brunei tries to protect his nation’s independence by any means.

The paper will be studied and analysed on Brunei’s defence modernization in line with Defence White Paper and Strategic Plan. The study will cover five major issues which are the threats and requirements for defence, Brunei’s defence white paper, strategic plan (modernization), and analysis. Being a small state, scholars tend not to write much on Brunei matters especially on defence modernization because as per mention in the analysis part, not so much to write about. Therefore, to write this paper, most of the data is getting from military magazine and internet.

THREATS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR SECURITY

Traditionally, Brunei’s did not has a major problem or crisis with their neighbours especially Malaysia. With the spirit of Islam and Malays, Malaysia and Brunei have managed to solve their problems and keeping calm for a while. However, Brunei was situated close to the problematic islands. Any accidents occurred in the area will create regional political instability. There has been a series of accidents in the South China Sea such as the naval clash between China and Vietnam in Spratlys Island in 1988, China’s occupation of the Philippines claimed Mischief Reef in 1995 and most recently naval clash between Malaysian and Indonesian Navy ship in Ambalat . Brunei is one of the six claimants (China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Philippines and Malaysia) on Spratlys which they had claimed for Louisa Reef which is located within the Brunei’s existing EEZ in the south east of Spratlys chain (Mak, J.N & Hamzah, B.A, 1996). At the moment, Brunei still did not station any forces in the Spratlys to support on their claim because of certain reasons such as limited equipments and manpower. In future, after completing their modernization plan, Brunei probably may think of putting their troops or conduct regular maritime patrol to protect EEZ.

Even the relationship with Malaysia just like a blood brother but at the same time remains sensitive in some areas. Apart from overlapping claims in the South China Sea, still there was no resolution of Malaysia’s outstanding territorial claim on Limbang river valley which physically divided Brunei into two parts. The statement was stated by last Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Abdullah Badawi and the issue has been resolved. Infact there have no solid evidences or documents to support Pak Lah’ statement and it becomes just another political rhetoric. With the current leaders, Malaysia does not have the intention to use any force elements to show off or strengthen our claims. But the possibility of Malaysia to have eager and progressive leaders in the coming century is not avoided. This is because of some of the Malaysian did not agree with too much diplomacy measure which taken by the current leaders on problem solving with neighbours. In the aspect of confidence building defence cooperation, Malaysia has included joint army exercise (MALBRU/BRUMAL) which offered a place of training institute and sending a troop to help Brunei’s defence forces to structure their religious wing.

New non-conventional threats become more aggressive and unpredictable. They are terrorism, transnational crime and new forms of criminal activity such as cyber crime. The nature of the threats is so unique. Brunei’s required a stronger and capable force with hi-tech equipments to hinder, to detect or to handle it. Even Brunei is considered too far from terrorism but it is not guaranteed that Brunei has the capability to handle non-conventional threats. Being such as small state, Brunei has to prepare for the worst. Therefore, Brunei’s defence modernization will consider such threats either in restructuring their organization or considering buying their defence equipments.

BRUNEI’S DEFENCE WHITE PAPER

The RBAF tasked is to act as a deterrent to any outside power which is intending to intervene directly or indirectly in the country and to any subversive elements actual or potential operation in the country and to be prepared to undertake the operations to counter aggression, terrorism or insurgency. In July 2004, Brunei had formally launched their Defence White Paper and had improved subsequently in 2007. The White Paper divided into eight important chapters; it begin with the explanation on the Defence White Paper, than securing the nation, supporting the nation, shaping the nation, shaping the future force, operational roles, supporting operational roles, enabling the force and the priorities for development. Among the eight chapters; chapter four (shaping the future force) and chapter eight (priorities for development) is explain briefly on modernization plan. It also laid down the national defence policy to coupe with the defence needs and plans to contribute towards confidence level and to align defence activities of the various ministries and government agencies. The paper describes on the role of the armed forces, the various strategic capabilities and overall contributions from the people that needs for defending their sovereignty.

Three primary national policy priorities for all agencies have been defined in the White Paper and to be followed. The priorities are the cohesion and stability of the nation in which guided by the Malay Islamic Monarchy philosophy, to have a stable regional environment in which its membership of ASEAN, to ensure its defence capabilities including its armed forces to preserve the nation’s sovereignty, to protect of its territorial integrity and interests and maintain freedom and independence. In the cohesion and stability aspects, the White Paper had divided the roles and functions between the ruler and the ministry in which the ruler is the highest authority to rule the nation according to Islamic law. Simultaneously, Brunei’s will actively taking part in ASEAN and any kind of state political reaction will be pursued according to the ASEAN spirit and to ensure .........

STRATEGIC PLAN: TOTAL EFFECTIVE DEFENCE OF THE NATION IN THE 21^ST CENTURY

The RBAF has undergone rapid development and modernization over the years. Since 1984 to 2009, Brunei’s defence matter has gone through three significant changes. Upon achieving independence, the government had renamed the name of Royal Brunei Malay Regiment (RBMR) to Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF). In 1987, the strength of the defence forces was enhanced due to the formation of the Royal Brunei Reserve Regiment (RBRR). The most significant changes are the reorganisation of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces in 1991 which has been restructured to Royal Brunei Land Force, Royal Brunei Navy, Royal Brunei Air Force, Royal Brunei Armed Forces Services and Royal Brunei Armed Forces Training Centre. The reorganisation was aimed primarily at boosting the organisational structure of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and to ensure it remains strong to face all challenges.

The Brunei Strategic Plan has formulated a vision for the 21^st century which divided into two categories; buying new equipments and trains their personnel with the latest skill on upgrading of their military knowledge and facilities. It elaborates on future modernization plan for each force (land, air and sea). The modernization process will conduct gradually accordance to their vision, ‘TOTAL EFFECTIVE DEFENCE OF THE NATION IN THE 21^ST CENTURY’. As a guideline, the Brunei’s Strategic Plan has stated a core basis on the process of defence modernization which is to understand and plan for the most likely threat scenarios that Brunei will face. To pursue this intention, Brunei has to .... .....

Royal Brunei Land Force

In-term of procuring the latest equipments, Brunei’s modernization plans concentrated on the surveillance equipments, air defence capability, integration of mobility and logistics support and other combat support assets[3]. Besides inserting new equipments, Brunei also has a plan to enhance their military personnel with new upcoming skill and knowledge and to build surge capacity of reserved force. The Brunei’s Army is holding the biggest manpower in the services. Is a brigade sized formation that consists of three infantry battalions and a support battalion. The battalion is located at three army camps in Muara and Tutong district. The new army camp in Lumut, Belait was built to accommodate the third battalion. The main responsibility is to oppose any threats from within or outside the country and to maintain peace and security in the country. The army remains essential for a light infantry force which supported by armoured reconnaissance, combat engineer, air defence and signal elements. Is begin with army personal combat rifle up to battalion support weapons. The infantry soldier was equipped with M 16A1 5.56mm assault rifle and 9mm pistol. In addition to that, the section commander has been equipped with M16 fitted M203 40 mm grenade launcher. The infantry platoon and company were supported by GPMG 7.62mm and 81 mm mortar long barrel. There have moved towards mechanised infantry with the procurement of French made Renault VAB wheeled armoured personnel carriers. The VAB APC fitted with a 7.62mm machine gun and protective armoured from small weapons and anti personnel mine. Each VAB APC can carry 10 personnel.

At the earlier phases (1980s), RBAF has purchased the light tank, a Scorpion Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (tracked) from United Kingdom which is to support the infantry. The light tank has a 76mm gun with effective range up to 2 kilometres and 7.62mm machine gun. In the middle of 2002, the Scorpion has gone for upgrading process which is to check the engine capabilities in mobility performance. Even some of the Scorpion has been equipped with Alvis Missile. To support the battlefield from far behind......

Royal Brunei Air Force

The Brunei’s Air Force begins with traditional function to provide medical services by flying the medical staff to remote areas. And now air defence is their main function as well as in providing logistic support and transport to other services. In 1989, the agreement of ‘Defence Protocol’ was signed between the Sultan and the Mrs Thatcher related to the modernization of their air force. The agreement was the most significant infusion of modern equipments for Royal Brunei Air Force. The protocol involves the procuring of British Aerospace Hawk advanced training aircraft and several missile armed corvettes. Following to that, in 1994, the Sultan and John Major have signed the defence cooperation MoU which covering equipment, infrastructure and military training. Brunei had constructed their operating base for fixed-wing aircraft near to Bandar Sri Begawan International Airport in 1994 and was completed late 1998.

Brunei also has purchased the IPTN CN – 235 maritime patrol aircraft utility variant from Indonesia. This aircraft is used primarily to train crews to operate the series of CN-235 maritime patrol aircraft. Simultaneously, Brunei has selected ARGO System from United States as a prime contractor which is responsible for integrating the CN-235MPA’s tactical system. After completing the fixed-wing aircraft base, the air force had received the initial batch of Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk utility helicopters for the army support role and to replace the current utility helicopter fleet which is consisting of Bell 212s and 214ST. Brunei also has purchased the British Aerospace 100 series of two seats advanced trainer and 200 series single seat radar which equipped with light fighter. After 10 years, the air force has 1^st squadron, 2^nd squadron, Basic Flying Training School Squadron and Air Defence Squadron. The current fleet consists of Bell 214STVIP, Bell 212 SAR/Transport, PC7 Mk2, Bell 206 UH 60L, S-70C VIP Utility, CN 235MMR and MBB BO 105CB COIN helicopters armed with 81 mm rockets. The air defence comprises of two squadrons with Rapiers (plus Blindfire) and Mistrals. In total, the Brunei’s Air Force comprises of five wings; Operation Wing, Logistics Wing, Administration Wing, Training Wing and Air Regiment Wing. The assets belong to each wing as shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Brunei Air Force Assets

Royal Brunei Navy

The Brunei’s Navy consists of three divisions namely, Operation Division, Administrative Division and Support Division which operates from Muara naval base. The modernization plans started with the corvette procurement programme which is the design of 1,000 ton version in 1980, than latter changed to 1,500 ton with armament including a 16-cell vertical launch of air defence missile launchers. Now the fleets of corvette various version are able to patrol and defend the Brunei’s EEZ. Also the missile armed unit ‘Waspada” class 206t fast attack craft. Each ship was equipped with two MM 38 Exocet surface to surface missiles for a long range anti-ship engagement, twin 30mm GCM 01 guns and two 7.62mm machine guns. There are also 21m ‘Perwira’ class fast patrols boats fitted with 20mm automatics cannon for near coastal patrol. They also hold a fleet of 95m Offshore Patrol Vessels for coastal naval unit. The craft has gone a series of upgrading such as inserting a new radar and the firing system to improve the ship’s navigational, surveillance and firing capabilities against air and surface threats. The twin 30mm GCM 01 gun is equipped with laser rangefinder and thermal imager for increasing the target firing accuracy[5].

To transport the infantry and their combat equipments including logistic, the Brunei’s Navy do have two 220t landing craft ‘Serasa’. It also can be deployed and conducted amphibious landing. The craft can transport APC and light tanks Scorpion by sea. There are smaller vessels Cheverton Loadmaster and Cheverton Workboats and Rotork Marine FPB 512 for amphibious, transport and patrol the shore. For the next five years, Brunei’s Navy probably will consider to replace their old fast attack craft Waspada and procuring the bigger fast patrol boat which is bigger than Perwira class.

ANALYSIS ON BRUNEI’S MODERNIZATION PLAN

The analysis on Brunei’s modernization plan will not include the budget or allocation because of two assumptions. Firstly, with the average of 8.9% GDP per year and 1% inflation rate, Brunei’s really did not fond on the budget constraint for the purpose of defending their only land; and secondly The Ruler of Brunei is the person which considering to have a very high knowledge and ability on military and defence spectrum. The analysis will discuss on manpower constraint, less procurement but more upgrading, Brunei-Malaysia relationship and limited capabilities plus limited roles.

Manpower Constraint

Due to small size of Brunei’s population (393 000), it has severely constrained the modernization or expansion of RBAF capabilities. It is not in term of money constraint but in term of skilful manpower which they did not have it. In 1991, the total strength of RBAF is 4,200 personnel (not including reserve)[6]. Refer to Chart 1. In 1995, the strength of RBAF has increased 15.3% (650 personnel) to 4,900 personnel. 650 personnel is only 2.3% from Brunei population increase from 1991 (267,000) to 1995 (295,000)[7]. From 1995 to 2000, Brunei armed forces personnel only increase at 2.04% (100). This amount is only at 0.27% from Brunei population increase from 1995 (295,000) to 2000 (332,000)[8]. This is probably because of the economic turmoil from late 1997 till early 1999. However, in 2007, the RBAF manpower dramatically increase at 25.8% (1290) from 2000 (5000) to 2007 (6290)[9]. The highest increase happened in 2007 probably because ....

Less Procurement but More Upgrading

From the past 30 decades, the analysis shows that Brunei’s defence modernization plans is only involved in procuring a few new equipments and then followed by phases of upgrading the current equipments. The upgrading process comes in term of a few phases either plans it such a way or may be because of the technology still did not exist. In term of balance of power, Brunei did not really procure their defence equipment base on the balance of power but equipment was procured depend on what they need to defend their sovereignty and assets. They cannot develop further or buying extra equipments because ..... 

Brunei-Malaysia Relationship

Where to protect? With limited manpower and having 200km of EEZ , Brunei has to decide their ‘turning point’. The current defence modernization which heavy on land force, it shows that Brunei wants to defend their land. In certain angle Brunei is trying to focus on navy capabilities. The reason is their country totally depends on oil and gas which come from EEZ and is most important to Brunei compared to the airspace. If any aggressor intends to attack Brunei by air, the aircraft have to cross Malaysia airspace and off course Malaysia will not permit it. According to Thambipillai (2009), Malaysia does not has an intention to invade Brunei because of the historical relationship, Malays and Muslim spirit and Malaysia Foreign Policy. The Sultan of Brunei has a significant relation with the nine sultans from Malaysian states. Brunei is a Malaysia’s close friend or brother and therefore Brunei should develop an extra bilateral understanding with Malaysia. They should think of convenient marriage between Malaysia and Brunei, not with Singapore. On the issue of Limbang, Brunei should not worry because they do have most diplomatic neighbours, Malaysia. If Brunei tries to be aggressive, they should study the environment, the sentiment and the neighbours around them. Anything involves with military action on Limbang River valley will effect the relationship between Brunei and Malaysia. In long term (after the clash, if happen), Brunei does not has their close neighbour except their close enemy just .....................

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